Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has dismissed reports linking him to the managerial position at Lincoln City after his curent tenure with Ireland concludes.
According to the Irish Mirror, the 52-year-old is considered to be a frontrunner for the League One side, but direct talks between Kenny and Lincoln have not occurred yet. Kenny's association with Ireland is likely to conclude after the team's matches against the Netherlands and New Zealand on November 18 and a friendly three days later.
The Irish Mirror reported, "Direct talks between Lincoln and Kenny have NOT yet taken place, but the former Dundalk, Derry City, and Bohs manager IS firmly on the Imps’ radar. While two other Irish managers, Damien Duff and Stephen Bradley, are short odds with the bookies to get the Lincoln job."
Despite impending speculation about his Ireland future and the potential Lincoln City link, Kenny has confirmed that his sole focus is on Ireland for the time being. "You can be linked to any job. The only thing that I am concerned about is managing Ireland. That is the biggest job. No club job could compare to managing your country," said Kenny on Thursday.
🗣 "The only thing I'm concerned about is managing Ireland."
🗣 "No club job could compare to managing your country."
Irish boss Stephen Kenny responded to rumours linking him with the manager position at Lincoln City.
Off the Ball Football with @williamhillire. pic.twitter.com/34S0BySH6t— Off The Ball (@offtheball) November 9, 2023
"Managing your country is the biggest honour that could be bestowed upon you, and that is something that I want to do. Obviously, no decision is made in that regard; whatever will be will be. I’m just focusing on the games and making sure we are well prepared. I’m just very focused on what we have got to do; I can make decisions after that based on when I’m informed either way. I’m not discussing any individual club at this stage."
Kenny is likely to be without a job this Christmas, and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has not addressed any plans. It seems likely that Kenny's tenure with Ireland will conclude after the New Zealand game this month. Despite knowing that he will soon be out of the role, Kenny is aware that the decision to keep him will be in the hands of the FAI during crucial talks about his future. However, despite the challenges in the role, the Ireland boss is happy to have contributed to the development of many players' careers.
"I am not making a plea; I am certainly not doing that. My contract is up after the New Zealand game; I am very privileged to have managed Ireland. It’s a transitional phase, but you can see the squad now. A record number of players have come through; some of them are in the Premier League. Their international experience has really enhanced their club careers and their opportunity to get club moves. Several of the players who have been blooded early have enhanced their ability to get the moves they have; when people have seen them play at international level, it has encouraged them."
Republic of Ireland Squad - Netherlands & New ZealandGoalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Liam Scales (Celtic), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Burnley), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest).Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Mark Sykes (Bristol City).Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Mikey Johnston (Celtic), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).Fixtures - November18/11 - Netherlands v Republic of Ireland, Amsterdam Arena, 7.45pm (8.45pm local time)21/11 - Republic of Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
